tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030198308110525675Tue, 03 Feb 2015 12:11:43 +0000productsjust for funmy travelssalescontestsback to schoolDIY classroom decorationsDolphinsTaijiTaiji dolphinsThe CoveThe Hobbit An Unexpected JourneyValentine's DayWorld Love for Dolphins Daybulletin boardsclassroom decoratingclassroom makeoverclip artdrive huntingsummer funvocabularyScience Etc.Middle school science is fun again!http://kimberlycollingwood.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Collingwood)Blogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030198308110525675.post-6636057696435334380Fri, 16 Jan 2015 15:09:00 +00002015-01-16T09:31:50.980-07:00Teaching Children to Love the Earth<br /><dl style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.3999996185303px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.2em;"><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px; text-align: center;"><i>Come away, O human child!</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px; text-align: center;"><i>To the waters and the wild</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px; text-align: center;"><i>With a faery, hand in hand,</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px; text-align: center;"><i>For the world's more full of weeping&nbsp;</i></dd><dd style="line-height: 1.6; margin-bottom: 0.1em; margin-left: 1.6em; margin-right: 0px; text-align: center;"><i>than you can understand.</i></dd><div style="text-align: center;"><i>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; -William Butler Yeats</i></div></dl><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Faced with the realization that our Earth is in trouble ecologically and that most scientists believe we are in the middle of a sixth extinction event, the question of teaching our children to care about our planet is a very timely one. Children today are increasingly "plugged in"to say the least. &nbsp;If they happen to venture outside they are usually wearing headphones and effectively tuning out the world. Conversely, unplugged children are resilient and natural leaders in the outdoors if given the opportunity. &nbsp;To teach them to love the earth is simple. &nbsp;Get them outdoors to experience nature and the love of the earth will come all on its own. Here are some fun ways to do just that.<br /><br /><b>1. &nbsp;Plant Something</b><br />This can be as easy as a planter full of cherry tomatoes. &nbsp;Start small with this one, it doesn't take a large garden to reap the benefits of getting dirty hands and watching something grow. &nbsp;Plants are magical! &nbsp;My own daughter is so excited to eat something that she has grown in the garden. &nbsp;We planted this fairy garden of herbs a couple summers ago. &nbsp;These plants still end up in all sorts of dishes in our home. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eed_W3z7CuE/VLiN-yzPhzI/AAAAAAAAA3M/q3xs5eZYnUo/s1600/garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eed_W3z7CuE/VLiN-yzPhzI/AAAAAAAAA3M/q3xs5eZYnUo/s1600/garden.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>2. &nbsp;Take a Hike</b><br />Not all those that wander are lost! &nbsp;I am lucky that I live in the southwest in beautiful country. &nbsp;A few hours from Phoenix and you find yourself in the blissful forests of Flagstaff. &nbsp;Taking a hike is not only good exercise for kids but it surrounds them with earth's grandeur. &nbsp;When my brother and I were young our parents told us that we could hike anywhere we wanted within site of our camp. &nbsp;What freedom that was! &nbsp;We got to know the outdoors on our terms. &nbsp;This set the stage for our deep love for the earth and probably my geology degree! &nbsp;Hiking is a must do for children. <br /><br /><b>3. &nbsp;Visit a National or State Park</b><br />It is always amazing to me how many children in my classroom in Phoenix tell me they have not visited the Grand Canyon when it's a few hours up the road! &nbsp;These are places that have been set aside for their spectacular scenery and earth history. &nbsp;Most of my fondest memories of childhood were of time spent in a national park. &nbsp;The United States boasts some of the most extraordinary natural settings in the world. &nbsp;Get out there and use them! &nbsp;Your kids will thank you!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Igu87zCPshM/VLiRj2lsTDI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/u6kNc0adGYs/s1600/GC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Igu87zCPshM/VLiRj2lsTDI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/u6kNc0adGYs/s1600/GC.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>4. Visit an Animal Sanctuary or Nature Center</b><br />If you are lucky enough to have one of these in your area definitely visit. &nbsp;These places usually have wonderful hands on activities and exhibits. &nbsp;Many teach children about threatened or endangered animals and teach kids to pay attention to animals in their environment. &nbsp;We have a butterfly sanctuary near our home. &nbsp;I like to visit because it is a real "zen" moment with butterflies the size of your hand fluttering around. &nbsp;They have a great film on the monarch &nbsp;butterfly and why it is decreasing in number as well. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zo9QOG2BYJE/VLkor0WcbaI/AAAAAAAAA38/sh6wqf9g-1s/s1600/butterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zo9QOG2BYJE/VLkor0WcbaI/AAAAAAAAA38/sh6wqf9g-1s/s1600/butterfly.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><b>5. &nbsp;Get Involved in Conservation&nbsp;</b><br />You undoubtedly build a future for our planet if your kids understand that animals are vulnerable because of our activities. &nbsp;There are probably many groups in your area that work to conserve animals and their habitats. &nbsp;In the Phoenix metropolitan area we have threatened burrowing owls. &nbsp;These owls live underground in burrows usually made by a rodent of some kind. &nbsp;I have also seen them in storm drains and irrigation ditches. &nbsp;The are threatened by urban sprawl and anything that may cover their burrow. &nbsp;Working to relocated and build new homes for these birds is something my seventh graders do as a part of our ecology unit. &nbsp;They work very hard to build something that is very important to this tiny bird. &nbsp;They look at their roll as stewards of the earth very differently after this project. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-olbiZ9KDzi0/VLimFHqphnI/AAAAAAAAA3o/cBpbY6wuGQw/s1600/owl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-olbiZ9KDzi0/VLimFHqphnI/AAAAAAAAA3o/cBpbY6wuGQw/s1600/owl.jpg" height="265" width="320" /></a></div><br />Finally, to understand the benefits of getting children into nature please read Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv. &nbsp;It is a wonderful book that really describes the difference between today's plugged in child and children of the past and what we can do about it.http://kimberlycollingwood.blogspot.com/2015/01/teaching-children-to-love-earth.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Collingwood)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030198308110525675.post-3236912607569410878Wed, 14 Jan 2015 19:21:00 +00002015-01-14T12:21:57.483-07:00Teaching Science Through Mastery LearningMastery learning is not a new concept. &nbsp;It has been alive and well since the 1970's. &nbsp;In a nutshell, it allows students to only move on when they have mastered a concept. How do you know when they are ready? &nbsp;You test them. If they don't pass the test then they must go back and review until they pass. &nbsp;Unfortunately, it isn't utilized enough in public education. This may be due to time constraints in the classroom, as well as, the amount of planning it requires at home. &nbsp;Why would a teacher want to attempt this?<br /><br /><b>Benefits</b><br />The benefits to teaching using a mastery learning model are many. &nbsp;If you let your students choose the activities they want to do, your engagement in your class will skyrocket. &nbsp;This only really works if you have many activities that are exciting and varied. &nbsp;Science lends itself well to this because teachers can integrate hands on projects into the unit along with written activities. In addition, students actually work harder using this model. &nbsp;What? &nbsp;That can't be right! &nbsp;Amazingly enough, it is. &nbsp;My students actually had more work to do during our mineral unit this year, but got more accomplished in a shorter amount of time. &nbsp;I believe it is something to do with control. &nbsp;If they believe they are in control, they work harder and are more motivated. &nbsp;That leads us to a wonderful side effect of teaching in this way, higher grades! &nbsp; &nbsp;If students have to pass a test to move on then guess what, they pass! &nbsp;My students have higher grades and a deeper understanding of relatively difficult concepts when I teach expecting mastery learning.<br /><br /><b>Setup</b><br />Now comes the hard part....planning. &nbsp;I would start with one unit at a time. &nbsp;Maybe not all of your units will work using this type of model. &nbsp;I started with my minerals unit which I am very passionate about. &nbsp;I used a menu type plan which I called Menu O' Minerals.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KKm7hOG2IF0/VLae670EvtI/AAAAAAAAA2c/6gK-Jz61K-o/s1600/menu.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KKm7hOG2IF0/VLae670EvtI/AAAAAAAAA2c/6gK-Jz61K-o/s1600/menu.PNG" height="320" width="249" /></a></div>Everything in the Appetizer category must be done. &nbsp;These are mostly teacher directed activities. &nbsp;In my case it was mostly notes and a reading activity using a thinking map. &nbsp;The main course has different expectations. &nbsp;I kept one mandatory activity in this section called mineral ID lab. &nbsp;After they finished this lab they were required to complete 4 other activities and then take a test. &nbsp;If they passed the test they earned a grade of a 3, which is "meeting standards" in our district. If they did not pass they did two more activities and retested. Students who had passed the test then had a choice to do two additional projects (dessert) to earn a 4, which is an exceeding score. &nbsp;The difficultly lies in choosing activities that motivate and move students to a deeper understanding of the topic, and at the same time, managing a myriad of projects at once.<br /><br /><b>Conclusions</b><br />My initial thought was that students would stop when they passed the test, but miraculously this was not the case. &nbsp;Most students passed the test and went on to complete the final projects. &nbsp;In fact, when asked what their favorite topic in science was for the first semester, a majority of students chose minerals. &nbsp;This may be the answer to the "inch deep and mile wide" teaching &nbsp;that is so prevalent in most science classrooms today. &nbsp;In any case, the benefits of increased motivation, higher grades, and deeper understanding far outweigh any planning obstacles. &nbsp;In fact, mastery learning could be modified to fit any grade level or content area.<br /><b><br /></b>http://kimberlycollingwood.blogspot.com/2015/01/teaching-science-through-mastery.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Collingwood)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030198308110525675.post-1333100310525018187Sun, 09 Feb 2014 05:58:00 +00002014-02-08T22:59:18.392-07:00Taiji dolphinsValentine's DayWorld Love for Dolphins DayValentines for DolphinsIn trying to find some way for my 7th graders to come to the aid of marine mammals, mainly the dolphins who migrate along the coast of Japan, I came across a unique way to protest. &nbsp;This week of Valentine's Day will be a week of demonstrations against the inhumane treatment of dolphins culminating with protests on Valentine's Day. &nbsp;It is called World Love for Dolphins Day. &nbsp;One way to let your students be involved without actively protesting outside an embassy is to send dolphin valentines to the Japanese ambassador in Washington. <br /><br />My students had the option of making a valentine or not. &nbsp;Here are some of the ones that were sent to make it there just in time for Valentine's Day.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWgIVgBUzqo/UvcYEedOFYI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/19GGmBzClJ0/s1600/20140206_150156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWgIVgBUzqo/UvcYEedOFYI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/19GGmBzClJ0/s1600/20140206_150156.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think that this helped my students with being able to actively do something and speak out. &nbsp;The address to send your own valentines is:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ambassador Kenichiro Sasae</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">c/o The Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2520 Massachusetts Avenue N.W.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Washington, DC 20008</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />http://kimberlycollingwood.blogspot.com/2014/02/valentines-for-dolphins.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Collingwood)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030198308110525675.post-6243774866016355322Sun, 26 Jan 2014 04:35:00 +00002014-01-25T21:37:41.324-07:00Dolphinsdrive huntingTaijiThe CoveWhat Can You Do About the Dolphin Hunt in Japan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pB4OgDolRy0/UuSGc_AR9hI/AAAAAAAAAt8/oqJaDkTJvow/s1600/Picture2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pB4OgDolRy0/UuSGc_AR9hI/AAAAAAAAAt8/oqJaDkTJvow/s1600/Picture2.png" height="320" width="237" /></a></div><br />On Monday this week I was bombarded by my students coming into class and talking about the dolphin drive in Japan.&nbsp; The two questions that were asked the most were "Why?" and "How can we help?"&nbsp; Seventh graders are sophisticated enough to demand good answers to these questions. <br /><br />The "why?" is a very good question.&nbsp; Japan wants you to believe they are some kind of tradition and therefore not something that should be changed.&nbsp; The truth is these hunts were very rare until 1969.&nbsp; There were only a few in the 1930's and 1940's.&nbsp; The main driving force behind these hunts is money.&nbsp; Some of the dolphins are sold into captivity for $150,000.00 or more.&nbsp; The rest are either slaughtered for meat or returned to the sea without a great portion of their pod.&nbsp; Some of the ones returned to the sea don't make it due to injuries or the loss of their mothers etc.&nbsp; There has also been some talk that the killing is continuing because the dolphins themselves are seen as pests, and competition for fish.&nbsp; In any case, the "why?" is very hard to understand.&nbsp; These are unique social creatures who recognize their own reflection in a mirror, and have complex interactions with each other.&nbsp; They may even have their own language.&nbsp; It reminds me of a quote in the book Divergent by Veronica Roth, "Human reason can excuse any evil."&nbsp; It appears the reasoning behind this evil is money, competition and so called tradition.<br /><br /><h2><span style="font-size: large;">How You Can Help</span></h2><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are a number of things you can do to help the dolphins in Taiji, Japan.&nbsp; WAZA the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums could actually move to expel JAZA, Japan Association of Zoos the Aquariums because their members are violating their code of ethics.&nbsp; Drive hunting is a true violation of this code.&nbsp; To submit a letter to let WAZA know they need to clean up their act click <a href="http://savejapandolphins.org/take-action/help-spread-the-word">here.</a></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Boycott anything that showcases marine mammals and whale shows.&nbsp; This includes Sea World and other aquariums and dolphinariums.&nbsp; To take a pledge that you will never visit a dolphin or whale show click <a href="http://www.thepetitionsite.com/5/stop-dolphin-captivity/">here.</a></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Donate money to help the people on the frontlines in Japan <a href="http://savejapandolphins.org/take-action/support-us-on-the-frontlines-in-japan">here.</a></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">This helps monitor the cove and helps get translated copies of the documentary <i>The Cove</i> into the hands of the Japanese and other officials.&nbsp; Caroline Kennedy had a copy of this.&nbsp; Kind of makes you wonder how much it influenced her. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Educate anyone who will listen on the link between captivity and the slaughter in Taiji, Japan.&nbsp; <i>The Cove</i> and <i>Blackfish</i> are great documentaries to tell your friends about.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sign the petition and letter to world leaders to end the killing in Japan <a href="http://takeaction.takepart.com/actions/cove-help-save-japans-dolphins?cmpid=cove-txt-2012-welcome">here.</a></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">They have reached their goal of 500,000 signatures but are asking for more before sending.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Share, share, share!&nbsp; Tweet and share anything from this <a href="http://www.savejapandolphins.org/blog/">blog</a>. Share this <a href="http://vimeo.com/17129452">video</a> as well.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tweet the hashtag <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=tweetfordolphins&amp;src=typd">#tweetfordolphins</a>.&nbsp; Get creative!&nbsp; Make a video for You Tube about your views.&nbsp; You could also share a video on Vine or Instagram.&nbsp; Follow facebook pages like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ricobarrysdolphinproject?fref=ts">The Dolphin Project</a> to stay current on what is going on.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Telling my 7th graders what they can do is very empowering to them.&nbsp; I would say that it is very empowering to their teachers as well.&nbsp; I will do a follow up to this blog with more addresses and ideas as I find them.&nbsp; Thank you for helping.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp; </span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span> </span><br /><br /><br /><br />http://kimberlycollingwood.blogspot.com/2014/01/what-can-you-do-about-dolphin-hunt-in.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Collingwood)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030198308110525675.post-4408510854859652558Sun, 01 Dec 2013 16:53:00 +00002013-12-01T09:53:52.003-07:00Cyber Monday Sale!Who needs black Friday when you have Cyber Monday?!&nbsp; In this case it will be Tuesday also!&nbsp; Teachers Pay Teachers is throwing their annual Cyber Monday and Tuesday Sale.&nbsp; Most of the top sellers will be on sale that day. My store will be a whopping 20% off plus the discount already given at the site.&nbsp; You will get up to 28% off.&nbsp; Hope to see you there!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ROgddGdZx74/UptpO-A8f9I/AAAAAAAAAsc/kSqqnkt4_mI/s1600/sale_300_250.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ROgddGdZx74/UptpO-A8f9I/AAAAAAAAAsc/kSqqnkt4_mI/s1600/sale_300_250.png" /></a></div><br />http://kimberlycollingwood.blogspot.com/2013/12/cyber-monday-sale.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Collingwood)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030198308110525675.post-5691094196211851059Wed, 20 Nov 2013 04:28:00 +00002013-11-19T21:28:08.741-07:00Some Thanksgiving LessonsNormally I am too busy to spend much time on lessons about Thanksgiving in my classroom.&nbsp; This year, however, I have hour and a half classes and I am way ahead!&nbsp; Our district always works the day before Thanksgiving, much to my dismay!&nbsp; This year I have vowed to do a little lesson on how Thanksgiving came to be using this short film:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/YsdzjdT_LkY/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/YsdzjdT_LkY&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/YsdzjdT_LkY&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>Then I think I will have a nice fun day by following it up with a nice free Thanksgiving Anagram worksheet that I have discovered recently.&nbsp; You can find it at this wonderful Teachers Pay Teachers store here:<br /><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Thanksgiving-Anagrams-165787">Thanksgiving Anagrams</a><br />This is a great anagram sheet because it's free and written for the middle grades.&nbsp; Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.http://kimberlycollingwood.blogspot.com/2013/11/some-thanksgiving-lessons.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Collingwood)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030198308110525675.post-3401140446165440946Sat, 31 Aug 2013 06:17:00 +00002013-08-30T23:17:11.250-07:00Class Dojo for Classroom ManagementAfter sixteen years of teaching I have used the majority of classroom management techniques out there.&nbsp; Basically most of them use a carrot and stick approach.&nbsp; Students do the right thing and get the "carrot" or do the incorrect behavior and risk the "stick".&nbsp; The "stick" could be anything from a negative to a detention or office referral.&nbsp; More often the "carrot" is the more difficult thing to make appealing to a student.&nbsp; <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cVp4X5ir5ng/UiGJ_ps8SJI/AAAAAAAAAqg/d5bs6Dc6oR8/s1600/monster.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cVp4X5ir5ng/UiGJ_ps8SJI/AAAAAAAAAqg/d5bs6Dc6oR8/s320/monster.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Enter "Class Dojo" a very interactive website and application for classroom management.&nbsp; Class Dojo uses little monsters avatars for your students.&nbsp; Your students can log in and change their avatar to a custom monster of their choosing.&nbsp; My 7th graders liked this feature very much it was definitely a "carrot."&nbsp; The program is very basic.&nbsp; You choose positive and negative behaviors for your class and then reward or correct students during class.&nbsp; You can project Class Dojo on a smartboard so that the class can hear and see when a positive or negative is received.&nbsp; You can also have parents log in to Class Dojo to see how there child is doing or print reports which shows a pie chart of positives to negatives.<br /><br />All and all, Class Dojo is a very smart techy way of managing the classroom.&nbsp; I think it would would for very young children all the way up to middle school.&nbsp; The website can be found here&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.classdojo.com/">www.classdojo.com</a><br /><br />http://kimberlycollingwood.blogspot.com/2013/08/class-dojo-for-classroom-management.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Collingwood)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030198308110525675.post-1536106906595278606Thu, 04 Jul 2013 17:30:00 +00002013-07-04T10:30:55.942-07:00just for funsummer funFun Summer Activity with PlantsIt is very hard in Phoenix to actually get through the summer and figure out some fun things to do without baking too badly.&nbsp; We function like you would if you were having a blizzard.&nbsp; We basically stay inside all summer.&nbsp; Unfortunately, the schools haven't figured out a better time for being on break around here!<br /><br />My daughter and I were getting a little bored a few weeks ago and thought we should plant something in our planter.&nbsp; We had some old pots that were left behind by the last people that lived in our house.&nbsp; We basically turned the pot upside down and painted it to look like a little mushroom house.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pBLXYYCNFIw/UdWvuKUl_QI/AAAAAAAAApY/Cr5zwudzzzU/s1600/garden.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pBLXYYCNFIw/UdWvuKUl_QI/AAAAAAAAApY/Cr5zwudzzzU/s320/garden.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We put this in our planter and planted an ice plant, sage, basil, and rosemary.&nbsp; Then we made a little walkway out of polished stones, shells and sand.&nbsp; I know this isn't really about middle school science but then you did want to know what teachers do with there summers, right?&nbsp; Actually, I would say, using plants in a school setting is very powerful, especially if you have kids that are living in an urban setting.&nbsp; They typically really love to germinate seeds and watch the magic of plant growth!<br /><br />http://kimberlycollingwood.blogspot.com/2013/07/fun-summer-activity-with-plants.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Collingwood)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030198308110525675.post-102175312185812977Wed, 12 Jun 2013 17:57:00 +00002013-06-12T10:57:34.623-07:00Word Wall ReviewI was so busy at the end of the school year this year I couldn't blog for the life of me!&nbsp; So I took a little break and I am now back at it!&nbsp; I want to chat a bit about reviewing those words that are on our word walls at the end of the year.&nbsp; In science we have about a zillion vocabulary words!&nbsp; I keep a word wall up all year as we work through them.&nbsp; At the end of the year, when I have no idea how to keep students engaged, we review these words using definitions and pictures.&nbsp; My students did a book called The ABC's of Science this year to review our word wall.&nbsp; Here are some examples of their work.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IyDphQmiIFg/UbgKmHY6PhI/AAAAAAAAAnw/m7rl7oNB1SA/s1600/Picture1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fD-8gi03BNI/UbgMyiuYa2I/AAAAAAAAAoI/SBjocDb44XU/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fD-8gi03BNI/UbgMyiuYa2I/AAAAAAAAAoI/SBjocDb44XU/s320/Picture1.png" width="243" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5AIlkhYYNFM/UbgM0481n4I/AAAAAAAAAoQ/JFHNva7zbYQ/s1600/Picture2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5AIlkhYYNFM/UbgM0481n4I/AAAAAAAAAoQ/JFHNva7zbYQ/s320/Picture2.png" width="243" /> </a></div>My 7th grade students seemed to like this review during the last couple weeks of school so I tweaked it a bit and made it into a product that could work for any vocabulary.&nbsp; You could do the ABC's of Poetry, or the ABC's of The Hobbit!&nbsp; I will be offering this in my store at a discounted price for the first week it is out so don't wait to grab this one!&nbsp; It can be found at this link:<br /><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/ABC-Word-WallVocabulary-Review-Book-726523">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/ABC-Word-WallVocabulary-Review-Book-726523</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QEV8rU4kXKg/UbgKoG_cT6I/AAAAAAAAAn4/DQ1GJs2M4o4/s1600/Picture2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br />http://kimberlycollingwood.blogspot.com/2013/06/word-wall-review.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Collingwood)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030198308110525675.post-7293595135017078399Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:45:00 +00002013-04-24T21:45:30.349-07:00Biome DioramasFor my ecology unit this year I had a final written test and a final project.&nbsp; The project was a biome diorama which we lovingly called a biorama!&nbsp; Our bioramas were created from a shoebox like a normal diorama but instead of leaving the top open we cut a one inch hole in the side of the box and covered the open part of our box with tissue paper.&nbsp; You could then look into the hole on the side to see the scene.&nbsp; My class did some incredible work on this project.&nbsp; Many used background photos or images to make the scene appear more real.&nbsp; Still others used different colors of tissue paper depending on their biomes.&nbsp; If they were creating a savanna biome they might choose yellow paper, or a deep ocean might call for dark green.<br /><br />Unfortunately, I cannot take credit for this great idea!&nbsp; I found this wonderful ecology unit complete with this great project on Teachers Pay Teachers.&nbsp; A store called Getting Nerdy with Mel and Gerdy did all the work and the unit can be found <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ecology-Bundled-Unit-PowerPoint-and-ALL-Handouts">here.</a><br /><br />Here are some great pictures of my student's project from this year.&nbsp; The pictures were taken from the hole in the side of the box.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lxWSF_iDfos/UXizaFSfp1I/AAAAAAAAAlw/o0uwMNHwD80/s1600/P1030922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lxWSF_iDfos/UXizaFSfp1I/AAAAAAAAAlw/o0uwMNHwD80/s320/P1030922.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTnCHxSa-Yk/UXizg_dCi7I/AAAAAAAAAl4/IYaFPsja5uk/s1600/P1030925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XTnCHxSa-Yk/UXizg_dCi7I/AAAAAAAAAl4/IYaFPsja5uk/s320/P1030925.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h_gpIvLAaqU/UXiznwPY-TI/AAAAAAAAAmA/hGQaG51utI4/s1600/P1030923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h_gpIvLAaqU/UXiznwPY-TI/AAAAAAAAAmA/hGQaG51utI4/s320/P1030923.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-frviMK9etuA/UXizxok7RfI/AAAAAAAAAmI/nbzGCvOX1lQ/s1600/P1030938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-frviMK9etuA/UXizxok7RfI/AAAAAAAAAmI/nbzGCvOX1lQ/s320/P1030938.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nS7FbZu8btA/UXiz6FIYygI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/_fI9KrhXqlM/s1600/P1030945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nS7FbZu8btA/UXiz6FIYygI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/_fI9KrhXqlM/s320/P1030945.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kjvH-Vb9iEw/UXi0CmM9CLI/AAAAAAAAAmY/4bO4BhN4xfE/s1600/P1030946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kjvH-Vb9iEw/UXi0CmM9CLI/AAAAAAAAAmY/4bO4BhN4xfE/s320/P1030946.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H2zMMNB6yB0/UXi0LoBQiFI/AAAAAAAAAmg/VI_eRlnSzM8/s1600/P1030947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H2zMMNB6yB0/UXi0LoBQiFI/AAAAAAAAAmg/VI_eRlnSzM8/s320/P1030947.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-So7LbDTPLhA/UXi0f6xWW8I/AAAAAAAAAmw/IzZgcEyOZmc/s1600/P1030949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-So7LbDTPLhA/UXi0f6xWW8I/AAAAAAAAAmw/IzZgcEyOZmc/s320/P1030949.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />http://kimberlycollingwood.blogspot.com/2013/04/biome-dioramas.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Collingwood)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030198308110525675.post-6314473428965016321Mon, 04 Mar 2013 05:23:00 +00002013-03-03T22:24:04.165-07:00my travelsScience Outside of the ClassroomThe benefits of field trips are important to student learning and provide memorable experiences that enhance what is taught in the classroom.&nbsp; Many field trips offer students a more hands-on and interactive learning environment than the classroom.&nbsp; Most students learn best this way!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I basically teach earth science in my classroom.&nbsp; I can teach through hands-on labs, PowerPoint presentations with great pictures of the concepts, or informational text about what we are learning.&nbsp; Unfortunately, I learned from my own experiences of getting pictures for a PowerPoint presentation, that going out to take photos of the different rock types or weathering etc. was probably more beneficial than the&nbsp;</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;presentation itself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lGtZu4eZjcQ/UTQnDnnW3yI/AAAAAAAAAj8/I2U1xA3rj50/s1600/P1030767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lGtZu4eZjcQ/UTQnDnnW3yI/AAAAAAAAAj8/I2U1xA3rj50/s320/P1030767.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Here is a picture of mechanical weathering.&nbsp; It is a good picture but to actually see it in person is to understand what is happening that much better.&nbsp; You can touch the rock, see its size, and experience it in a totally different way than in the classroom.&nbsp; This is a picture of how the granite in the White Tanks Regional Park collects water during the rainy season, hence the name White Tanks.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cbtIJqkdYS8/UTQn_UGdwDI/AAAAAAAAAkM/KkErDFOhFxg/s1600/P1030769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cbtIJqkdYS8/UTQn_UGdwDI/AAAAAAAAAkM/KkErDFOhFxg/s320/P1030769.JPG" width="320" />&nbsp;</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These catchment areas are stunning and memorable when seen in person, but not so much when only seen in a digital picture.&nbsp; The entire journey of getting to the area, hiking, eating lunch out in nature, becomes part of the memory of the learning experience.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also teach about biomes in my ecology unit. I do use a lot of PowerPoint and photos to try and get my point across.&nbsp; If you live in a particular biome and can take a field trip to actually see the plants and animals the way they live, your students will be taking away so much more from this experience!&nbsp; Here is a saguaro cactus from the same area as the other two pictures.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DpZ2v8vz8Zg/UTQqJhRK-tI/AAAAAAAAAkY/giSdUPjJ2vo/s1600/P1030759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DpZ2v8vz8Zg/UTQqJhRK-tI/AAAAAAAAAkY/giSdUPjJ2vo/s320/P1030759.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The spidery plant at the right is called an ocotillo. It only becomes green after a rain, otherwise it looks like a bunch of dried sticks.&nbsp; You can walk right up to these plants and see the little green leaves shooting out from the stick-like skeleton of this plant.&nbsp; You can't really do that in the classroom.<br /><br />Not only does this park have great geology and botany, it also has some great cultural features.&nbsp; Never forget the cultural aspects of a field trip!&nbsp; Here are some fabulous petroglyphs from this area.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gBXJp9_B-eY/UTQsO58Vb3I/AAAAAAAAAko/FHsCuiYCzqU/s1600/P1030756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gBXJp9_B-eY/UTQsO58Vb3I/AAAAAAAAAko/FHsCuiYCzqU/s320/P1030756.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6oAACAbj4SI/UTQtDIJGMnI/AAAAAAAAAlA/Ic81Rtv2fN0/s1600/P1030755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6oAACAbj4SI/UTQtDIJGMnI/AAAAAAAAAlA/Ic81Rtv2fN0/s320/P1030755.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VacfuBwenjw/UTQs2mmJaVI/AAAAAAAAAk4/zvP-UabJXSA/s1600/P1030773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VacfuBwenjw/UTQs2mmJaVI/AAAAAAAAAk4/zvP-UabJXSA/s320/P1030773.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cultural aspects like these are fun for students to find and hunt for!&nbsp; It reminds students how humans are a part of the ecosystem and how we used to live.&nbsp; I would challenge you to find great areas near your school that can offer wonderful learning experiences that enhance your teaching.&nbsp; Field trips are a must for students now days who don't venture too far from their front door.&nbsp; How can they know about protecting the natural world if they don't know anything about that world?</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PLbOO-7l_xo/UTQunUKQqTI/AAAAAAAAAlM/9SWzTqvFWJ4/s1600/P1030766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PLbOO-7l_xo/UTQunUKQqTI/AAAAAAAAAlM/9SWzTqvFWJ4/s320/P1030766.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from White Tanks looking into Phoenix</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><span id="goog_553625022"></span><span id="goog_553625023"></span> http://kimberlycollingwood.blogspot.com/2013/03/science-outside-of-classroom.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Collingwood)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030198308110525675.post-8079886826880151137Tue, 19 Feb 2013 04:50:00 +00002013-02-18T21:50:36.295-07:00Play Money for a Token EconomyI have used many incentives for good behavior, good work, finished homework, all of the above.&nbsp; Right now I am using a very nice homework punch card that my students use to earn rewards.&nbsp; I made it on Vistaprint which I also love!&nbsp; My students actually ask when they will be getting homework!&nbsp; Now that's amazing.<br /><br />Another great idea for any classroom is a token economy and some great play money.&nbsp; I give my play money out to my 7th graders when they follow the rules, use their social skills, and do excellent work.&nbsp; Yes, 7th graders really do like it!&nbsp; Sometimes they use their money for hints in a game we are playing.&nbsp; Granted, we play very competitive games like The Amazing Science Race in my class so this is important.&nbsp; Other times I just get a bunch of prizes and do an auction where the students raise the price on the prize.&nbsp; This is very fun!&nbsp;<br /><br />I started making my own money.&nbsp; I think I should have kept going with that idea and put the templates on sale at Teachers Pay Teachers!&nbsp; Anyway, I made a printable money file and then put crazy pictures of myself on the money.&nbsp; The higher the denomination,&nbsp; the crazier the picture. I added a saying like "Collingwood's Cash"&nbsp; or "In Collingwood we trust" or something equally goofy. &nbsp; I like to mix up the money every quarter, however.&nbsp; I find that middle school kids get bored of anything that is repeated too much.&nbsp; Here is a free money template:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IiojIOSUOgI/USL8wA7Yw2I/AAAAAAAAAiU/pwGrV3ejE-0/s1600/play-money.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IiojIOSUOgI/USL8wA7Yw2I/AAAAAAAAAiU/pwGrV3ejE-0/s1600/play-money.jpg" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp; </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It can be found at the site: <a href="http://www.2020site.org/templates/Play-Money-Template.html">http://www.2020site.org/templates/Play-Money-Template.html</a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is a seasonal money that I like to use.&nbsp; This one is not free but it is pretty cheap really at $3 and editable. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--grgwRUaakc/USL9_oQ7HMI/AAAAAAAAAig/AvCFb5JbjIw/s1600/04_printable+strawberry+favor+box+cute+paper+craft+idea+kids+activity+starwberry+shortcake+editable+text+personalized+big+large+box+money+gift+card+personalized+certificate+paper+moneys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--grgwRUaakc/USL9_oQ7HMI/AAAAAAAAAig/AvCFb5JbjIw/s320/04_printable+strawberry+favor+box+cute+paper+craft+idea+kids+activity+starwberry+shortcake+editable+text+personalized+big+large+box+money+gift+card+personalized+certificate+paper+moneys.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Paperglitter site has many cute play money templates which would work in middle school and primary grades.&nbsp; The Christmas money can be found here:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.paperglitter.com/product/christmas-play-money">http://www.paperglitter.com/product/christmas-play-money</a></div>I actually use a circus theme printable money from Paperglitter at home with my daughter.&nbsp; She really likes the cute designs.&nbsp; <br /><br />If you want to use money that actually looks like real money you may want to check out this site:<br /><a href="http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/printable_play_money.htm">http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/printable_play_money.htm</a><br />These are free printable money sheets for US dollars and Euros which are very cool.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zMdBsb0rPog/USMCS-9LalI/AAAAAAAAAjE/wN4iYT3ANrs/s1600/play_dollars_5.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zMdBsb0rPog/USMCS-9LalI/AAAAAAAAAjE/wN4iYT3ANrs/s1600/play_dollars_5.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FPVqqGNku1A/USMCeWaGWTI/AAAAAAAAAjM/ritRdc_QM7s/s1600/play_euros_20.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FPVqqGNku1A/USMCeWaGWTI/AAAAAAAAAjM/ritRdc_QM7s/s1600/play_euros_20.gif" /></a></div>Here is another totally free printable money site:<br /><a href="http://freeclipartnimages.blogspot.com/2012/05/totally-free-printable-play-money.html">http://freeclipartnimages.blogspot.com/2012/05/totally-free-printable-play-money.html</a><br />You can print simple but colorful money that looks like this:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-42Sy1RV3p34/USMD5v_xi8I/AAAAAAAAAjY/XN7fA4KnBeE/s1600/blue+play+money+printable.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-42Sy1RV3p34/USMD5v_xi8I/AAAAAAAAAjY/XN7fA4KnBeE/s320/blue+play+money+printable.png" width="320" /></a></div>Hope your own token economy goes as well as mine has and you have just as much fun!<br /><br />http://kimberlycollingwood.blogspot.com/2013/02/play-money-for-token-economy.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Collingwood)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030198308110525675.post-8446742096696117626Sat, 09 Feb 2013 02:27:00 +00002013-02-08T19:27:03.593-07:00Science Notebooking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>One of the best ideas I integrated into my science classroom is having students keep a science notebook.&nbsp; All the science teachers in my district decided to adopt this concept a few years back.&nbsp; The district now purchases a composition notebook for each science student.&nbsp; Because they are set up the same, a student could leave one school in the district and take their science notebook to the next school.&nbsp; It works very well.&nbsp;<br />I will briefly describe how we set up our notebooks.&nbsp; This is by no means the only way!&nbsp; It is just the way we determined we would all set them up.&nbsp; We start with an "About the Author" page.&nbsp; Student my draw, doodle, write, paste pictures, etc.&nbsp; It should be a page that describes them.&nbsp; I think it creates ownership of the notebook.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8CYWCX7Z2Rk/URWrFiv3-DI/AAAAAAAAAf4/19W1ESvCtXs/s1600/P1030705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8CYWCX7Z2Rk/URWrFiv3-DI/AAAAAAAAAf4/19W1ESvCtXs/s320/P1030705.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>We then set up a table of contents.&nbsp; Every new assignment goes in the table.&nbsp; A note here, I don't have students number all the pages.&nbsp; I did that the first year and had students with larger handwriting on a completely different page.&nbsp; Any assignment or notes, etc. that is new gets a page number.&nbsp; <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nlk0BC3-qf8/URWr1MY7kyI/AAAAAAAAAgE/BEU9rhua0HQ/s1600/P1030706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nlk0BC3-qf8/URWr1MY7kyI/AAAAAAAAAgE/BEU9rhua0HQ/s320/P1030706.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>We then count five to seven pages from the end of the notebook and make a glossary.&nbsp; There are so many words in science that it is great to have a place to put them.&nbsp; We usually draw pictures to go with our definitions.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ldQ2ghL7gp8/URWsoJtGqqI/AAAAAAAAAgM/oSRAoabRkyk/s1600/P1030722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ldQ2ghL7gp8/URWsoJtGqqI/AAAAAAAAAgM/oSRAoabRkyk/s320/P1030722.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>What can go in your notebook?&nbsp; Well basically everything.&nbsp; We of course put notes in ours.&nbsp; Some are just regular old notes taken from one of my fabulous lectures, but some are fill-in-the-blank notes, or notes with diagrams and pictures.&nbsp; Generally, if I give a paper for my students to take notes on they must somehow fit in the notebook.&nbsp; We do this by folding pages in half and making little tabs to hold them closed or just folding them in half and gluing them in.&nbsp; I also try to have them cut doors and flaps.&nbsp; Here are some examples:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1wRQWGAqqI/URWt83YIRnI/AAAAAAAAAgc/_K6uMc26Olc/s1600/P1030720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1wRQWGAqqI/URWt83YIRnI/AAAAAAAAAgc/_K6uMc26Olc/s320/P1030720.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tkROhfBoC2E/URWty14FOhI/AAAAAAAAAgU/B5GcmTCf7fU/s1600/P1030715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tkROhfBoC2E/URWty14FOhI/AAAAAAAAAgU/B5GcmTCf7fU/s320/P1030715.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t5_9R1m8mLA/URWuF6rIyFI/AAAAAAAAAgk/A4ABQ7LoNTk/s1600/P1030721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t5_9R1m8mLA/URWuF6rIyFI/AAAAAAAAAgk/A4ABQ7LoNTk/s320/P1030721.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EeDUdQ3h8-4/URWw7trrEfI/AAAAAAAAAhU/d_CUOqtWzs0/s1600/P1030718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EeDUdQ3h8-4/URWw7trrEfI/AAAAAAAAAhU/d_CUOqtWzs0/s320/P1030718.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />We also do activities in our notebooks.&nbsp; Everyday I start with bellwork that I call a "journal".&nbsp; It is entered by week in the notebook and continues everyday on the same page:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TJjWRvQY5rg/URWu5LfSOQI/AAAAAAAAAgs/Z27CC12M6hQ/s1600/P1030709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TJjWRvQY5rg/URWu5LfSOQI/AAAAAAAAAgs/Z27CC12M6hQ/s320/P1030709.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>We researched an astronomer this year and made a cute little foldable to write our facts and draw a picture of them.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZisPFJXHmjk/URWvQJN3iXI/AAAAAAAAAg0/9rHlePQJEnQ/s1600/P1030711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZisPFJXHmjk/URWvQJN3iXI/AAAAAAAAAg0/9rHlePQJEnQ/s320/P1030711.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>We also did a rewrite of a children's book Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me and made is scientifically correct using appropriate moon phases.&nbsp; We constructed an accordion foldable to display our story.&nbsp; Of course, it went in our notebook!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MzVI0qZ6P08/URWv-zsI_-I/AAAAAAAAAg8/ANiF_9YSxAU/s1600/P1030714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MzVI0qZ6P08/URWv-zsI_-I/AAAAAAAAAg8/ANiF_9YSxAU/s320/P1030714.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Thinking maps are also great to put into a notebook:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CoWb3xEXV6g/URWwUjkAssI/AAAAAAAAAhE/qW6ukEyjnDQ/s1600/P1030717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CoWb3xEXV6g/URWwUjkAssI/AAAAAAAAAhE/qW6ukEyjnDQ/s320/P1030717.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LwJVqW5FTTY/URWwv0eCbgI/AAAAAAAAAhM/OWxRUUqZ5YA/s1600/P1030708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LwJVqW5FTTY/URWwv0eCbgI/AAAAAAAAAhM/OWxRUUqZ5YA/s320/P1030708.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />We also did a topographic map of mars and folded it in half and glued it in there.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hX4Y1LDakhc/URWxRiQSZGI/AAAAAAAAAhc/pB_7c2HV4YE/s1600/P1030710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hX4Y1LDakhc/URWxRiQSZGI/AAAAAAAAAhc/pB_7c2HV4YE/s320/P1030710.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Last but not least, flash cards can be stored in a notebook with the help of half of an envelope.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M7EsRt2NOKk/URWxt2SllYI/AAAAAAAAAhs/3aRqJZMjQQ4/s1600/P1030713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M7EsRt2NOKk/URWxt2SllYI/AAAAAAAAAhs/3aRqJZMjQQ4/s320/P1030713.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>On a final note, I always have my students use liquid glue for their notebooks.&nbsp; It just holds much better than a glue stick.&nbsp; They have gotten very good at "a little dab will do ya!"&nbsp; and "dot, dot, not a lot!"&nbsp; Hope you can use some of these ideas in your own classroom.&nbsp; I find it is an excellent learning tool, as well as, a great record for what I have taught throughout the year!&nbsp; Some final pictures:<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bphu-Z63s1Q/URWyrXhmtNI/AAAAAAAAAh0/IxkJvig0GHg/s1600/P1030712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bphu-Z63s1Q/URWyrXhmtNI/AAAAAAAAAh0/IxkJvig0GHg/s320/P1030712.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reflection (self/peer)</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JPSDlQTBUPc/URWy4_RAwSI/AAAAAAAAAh8/s5RrSICxwy8/s1600/P1030716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JPSDlQTBUPc/URWy4_RAwSI/AAAAAAAAAh8/s5RrSICxwy8/s320/P1030716.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foldable glued sideways</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br />http://kimberlycollingwood.blogspot.com/2013/02/science-notebooking.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Collingwood)6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030198308110525675.post-7197024961756542487Thu, 31 Jan 2013 07:00:00 +00002013-01-31T00:00:04.350-07:00salesSuper Sunday SaleWe are throwing a huge Super Sunday Sale to coincide with Super Bowl Sunday February 3rd over at Teachers Pay Teachers.&nbsp;<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K9MfOOjDBe0/UQikldyXd2I/AAAAAAAAAfg/3e1oo5MJApI/s1600/SSS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K9MfOOjDBe0/UQikldyXd2I/AAAAAAAAAfg/3e1oo5MJApI/s1600/SSS.jpg" /></a></div>Many, many sellers will have their stores on sale that day.&nbsp; On top of that, there is another discount that can be given at checkout.&nbsp; Just put in the promo code: Super when you check out and you could get up to 28% off the regular price.&nbsp; I for one have a huge wishlist and will be definitely shopping on Sunday!&nbsp; See you there!http://kimberlycollingwood.blogspot.com/2013/01/super-sunday-sale.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Collingwood)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030198308110525675.post-7940780525583598349Tue, 08 Jan 2013 03:54:00 +00002013-01-07T20:54:07.538-07:00Valentine Clip ArtWell I made it through the holidays!&nbsp; Our district went back to school January, 3rd, boy was that hard!&nbsp; I have never gone back on a Thursday before and quite frankly I didn't know if I would wake up!&nbsp; When I got to school today the heat wasn't turned on and it was freezing in our rooms.&nbsp; I guess the people controlling the heat didn't know we were back supposed to be back either.&nbsp; Now I know what you are saying out there.... who needs heat in Phoenix!&nbsp; To be honest, Phoenix can get quite chilly in the winter....really!<br /><br />Now on to bigger and better things... I have some cute little heart clip art for Valentine's Day that you might be interested in.&nbsp; The images posted here can be snatched for personal or commercial use but please do not resell them in their original state without creating something with them.&nbsp; The rest can be found here at my store: &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/ValentineHeart-Clip-Art">Heart Clip Art</a><br />Here are some of the clips found in this product.&nbsp; Make sure you snatch them right up:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kp-C8fFXn7E/UOuXqfrNhgI/AAAAAAAAAfE/cqYWQTsRE1Y/s1600/heart.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kp-C8fFXn7E/UOuXqfrNhgI/AAAAAAAAAfE/cqYWQTsRE1Y/s320/heart.PNG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sNtrvwTB2ww/UOuXtzF47UI/AAAAAAAAAfM/LtJ7dDuVtLU/s1600/heart2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sNtrvwTB2ww/UOuXtzF47UI/AAAAAAAAAfM/LtJ7dDuVtLU/s320/heart2.PNG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />http://kimberlycollingwood.blogspot.com/2013/01/valentine-clip-art.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Collingwood)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030198308110525675.post-2633192288379358143Sat, 01 Dec 2012 04:00:00 +00002012-11-30T21:00:26.512-07:007-12 Grade Holiday E-bookLast year I was a little slow on the draw and missed being able to contribute to the holiday e-book.&nbsp; Fortunately, I did not miss it this year.&nbsp; The books were divided this year into three volumes; primary, middle, and high school.&nbsp; The 7-12 E-book was the one I contributed to and it is wonderful.&nbsp; There are free products from all subjects on beautiful holiday pages.&nbsp; All these products are just a click away.&nbsp; You can download the great item by clicking on the cover page below!&nbsp; Happy holidays!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2012-Winter-Holidays-Tips-and-Freebies-Grades-7-12-Edition"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PUwQSdgPufg/ULmAfMjwIuI/AAAAAAAAAeU/Es7Kt6FGeeg/s320/cover+pic.GIF" width="239" /></a></div><br />http://kimberlycollingwood.blogspot.com/2012/11/7-12-grade-holiday-e-book.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Collingwood)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030198308110525675.post-8708112925484385281Sun, 25 Nov 2012 05:49:00 +00002012-11-24T22:51:06.536-07:00productsHoliday Rhyme Scheme PracticeI created this little holiday practice and then decided to make it free.&nbsp; This is a practice for rhyme scheme using The Night Before Christmas as the final challenge.&nbsp; There are also some easier practice poems to start with before going to the ultimate holiday challenge.&nbsp; Just click on the picture below to download yours.&nbsp; Feedback is always welcome!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Holiday-Rhyme-Scheme-Practice"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W19LpDFA6po/ULGw5z-_V_I/AAAAAAAAAeA/NbF9va20rUU/s320/Holiday.PNG" width="239" /></a></div>http://kimberlycollingwood.blogspot.com/2012/11/holiday-rhyme-scheme-practice.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Collingwood)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030198308110525675.post-6359294804548547083Wed, 21 Nov 2012 03:48:00 +00002012-11-20T20:49:50.245-07:00Cyber Monday and Bonus Tuesday Sale<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Science-Etc"><img alt="CM300x250" border="0" height="250" hspace="5" name="13b18144abbdd139_ACCOUNT.IMAGE.2320" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs140/1102126629145/img/2320.jpg" vspace="5" width="300" /></a><br /><br /><br />Well it is that time of year again!&nbsp; I can't believe the Cyber Monday sale is right around the corner.&nbsp; Many of us sellers will be putting our store on sale.&nbsp; Mine will be on a 20% reduction starting Monday.&nbsp; In addition, you can use the promo code CMT12 and get addition money off! This sale will run through Tuesday.&nbsp; Stock up on all of your Christmas lessons and fun stuff to start the new year off right.&nbsp; See you Cyber Monday!<br /><br />http://kimberlycollingwood.blogspot.com/2012/11/cyber-monday-and-bonus-tuesday-sale.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Collingwood)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030198308110525675.post-7498329154186095332Tue, 23 Oct 2012 05:38:00 +00002012-10-22T22:39:10.225-07:00my travelsFall in New MexicoEvery fall I look forward to a week off in October when I can drive to New Mexico and take in the fall colors and the land of enchantment.&nbsp; My travels usually end up in Las Cruces but this year Cloudcroft was my destination.&nbsp; Unfortunately, I forgot my camera in Phoenix.&nbsp; I blame that on being sick the week before break and functioning and packing in a brain fog.&nbsp; All the pictures you will see here were actually taken on my phone and look decent enough I think.<br /><br />Cloudcroft sits on a mountain which overlooks the Tularosa basin.&nbsp; This picture shows the view.&nbsp; The white area is actually White Sands National Monument, one of the largest gypsum dune field in the world.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vvcH0RoHru8/UIYm8jYplmI/AAAAAAAAAbg/8nEw6THMzCc/s1600/TB.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vvcH0RoHru8/UIYm8jYplmI/AAAAAAAAAbg/8nEw6THMzCc/s320/TB.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>My husband and I stayed at the Lodge in Cloudcroft, a historic lodge which used to house lumberjacks instead of tourists.&nbsp; It is a nice old lodge with a great restaurant and it is said a friendly ghost as well.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_YnnLO7XVvY/UIYneJO9l5I/AAAAAAAAAbo/RvC7h4yLCTc/s1600/lodge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_YnnLO7XVvY/UIYneJO9l5I/AAAAAAAAAbo/RvC7h4yLCTc/s320/lodge.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Cloudcroft had a railroad which transported people and lumber in historic times.&nbsp; Some of the old tracks and trestles from the railroad can still be seen outside of town.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iYWpfRRiyRo/UIYoCMqWd7I/AAAAAAAAAb0/uALc2s1nVV4/s1600/tressle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iYWpfRRiyRo/UIYoCMqWd7I/AAAAAAAAAb0/uALc2s1nVV4/s320/tressle.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />There are some great hiking trails in and around Cloudcroft.&nbsp; One that isn't too long is called Osha Trail.&nbsp; This hiking trail can be accessed from inside the town or from a parking area right outside of town.&nbsp;&nbsp; It is about 2.6 miles long and a gorgeous hike in the fall.&nbsp; This is how the hike began at the trail head.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W2jubGDNO5E/UIYoxFqurCI/AAAAAAAAAb8/85yYjP-v5mM/s1600/aspens2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W2jubGDNO5E/UIYoxFqurCI/AAAAAAAAAb8/85yYjP-v5mM/s320/aspens2.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>There are many beautiful aspens and maples along the trail that are really breathtaking in the autumn.&nbsp; Here are a few pictures from along this wonderful hike.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1YsKS-L9pNs/UIYpM6iUumI/AAAAAAAAAcI/0_BSjxBFeZg/s1600/aspens.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1YsKS-L9pNs/UIYpM6iUumI/AAAAAAAAAcI/0_BSjxBFeZg/s320/aspens.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FGB6KCJves8/UIYpYdsnGqI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/PpUiwwW0eOI/s1600/maple.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FGB6KCJves8/UIYpYdsnGqI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/PpUiwwW0eOI/s320/maple.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4RLre7SzXfo/UIYpgnCCuFI/AAAAAAAAAcc/LKT-yfnQTuw/s1600/hike.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4RLre7SzXfo/UIYpgnCCuFI/AAAAAAAAAcc/LKT-yfnQTuw/s320/hike.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>The interesting thing from a geology perspective is that Cloudcroft, New Mexico sits on Permian aged rocks.&nbsp; If you know anything about geologic time, the end of the Permian ends the Paleozoic era with a mass extinction much bigger than the Mesozoic extinction event that did in the dinosaurs.&nbsp; The Permian extinction basically killed of mostly everything.&nbsp; The rocks on the Osha trail are Permian and they also have many fossils that are easily spotted on this trail.&nbsp; Here is a Permian cephalopod I spied in the middle of the trail.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kR2Dhjan_JM/UIYq8SkvP0I/AAAAAAAAAck/GytVL4V5luM/s1600/ceph.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kR2Dhjan_JM/UIYq8SkvP0I/AAAAAAAAAck/GytVL4V5luM/s320/ceph.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Cloudcroft is not far from a solar observatory in Sunspot, NM.&nbsp; If you are ever in the area a visit to Sunspot is a must.&nbsp; The road to Sunspot is a scenic byway and the telescopes are very interesting as well.&nbsp; Here is a big solar telescope at the observatory.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MI8KP0dBWZc/UIYrqa4T3xI/AAAAAAAAAcs/NVSS45rhvaM/s1600/solartele.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MI8KP0dBWZc/UIYrqa4T3xI/AAAAAAAAAcs/NVSS45rhvaM/s320/solartele.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>White Sands is another must if you are near the Tularosa basin. The sand is gypsum and extremely white and soft.&nbsp; I was messing around on the dune field when I took this picture.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nNpC4YnMQmg/UIYsHfEBV7I/AAAAAAAAAc4/DyTnQQkEbZI/s1600/whitesands.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nNpC4YnMQmg/UIYsHfEBV7I/AAAAAAAAAc4/DyTnQQkEbZI/s320/whitesands.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It generally looks like you are driving on snow in White Sands National Monument.&nbsp; This is a very odd sensation because it isn't cold at all in October.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QEm4WupWyjw/UIYsjT6qcsI/AAAAAAAAAdA/ac2gA4MwT3w/s1600/whitesandsdrive.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QEm4WupWyjw/UIYsjT6qcsI/AAAAAAAAAdA/ac2gA4MwT3w/s320/whitesandsdrive.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Most of the animals, through natural selection, are white on the dune field.&nbsp; However, I was about a mile into the field and I saw this black beetle.&nbsp; Who knows where he came from but he left some cool tracks as well.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rAM8iUuXLME/UIYtCfdKkBI/AAAAAAAAAdI/5QbJeSIlPDA/s1600/blackbug.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rAM8iUuXLME/UIYtCfdKkBI/AAAAAAAAAdI/5QbJeSIlPDA/s320/blackbug.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yWMRwFgZ3fA/UIYtKPA5oSI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/SmsUutTtHo4/s1600/tracks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yWMRwFgZ3fA/UIYtKPA5oSI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/SmsUutTtHo4/s320/tracks.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>If you are every in the southwest, do stop in to see New Mexico.&nbsp; It is truly the land of enchantment.<br /><br /><br />http://kimberlycollingwood.blogspot.com/2012/10/fall-in-new-mexico.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Collingwood)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030198308110525675.post-5629224167013311596Fri, 28 Sep 2012 05:12:00 +00002012-09-27T22:25:40.556-07:00productsFall Clip ArtI found myself again sketching on my daughter's Ipad, (I really don't know how these things come about) and I created some new fall images.&nbsp; I will most likely be using them on some of my fallish lessons, that is, if we ever really get below 98 degrees here in Phoenix.&nbsp; It just doesn't feel like fall when it's that temperature outside!&nbsp; My black cat inspired the cat in this set as she was sitting on my counter for the umpteenth time!&nbsp; She did turn out nice though.&nbsp; There are also several fall colored leaves, a witches hat, a spider web, two pumpkins, a cute owl,a full moon and a ghost.&nbsp; All have transparent backgrounds (.png files) Below are some examples. Feel free to use these two fall clips for your own work, just please link back to my blog and my product link and give credit to Science, Etc. when you do.&nbsp; <b>Do not resell them as clip art</b>. The complete product can be linked to here: <a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fall-Clip-Art">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fall-Clip-Art</a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hbnaErDPXmU/UGUw3pU15uI/AAAAAAAAAaY/9kICX2ST2fk/s1600/moon.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hbnaErDPXmU/UGUw3pU15uI/AAAAAAAAAaY/9kICX2ST2fk/s320/moon.PNG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SQAdO0F7vdw/UGUwtsb1qSI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/QtMl_ueyG7M/s1600/cat.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SQAdO0F7vdw/UGUwtsb1qSI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/QtMl_ueyG7M/s200/cat.PNG" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />http://kimberlycollingwood.blogspot.com/2012/09/fall-clip-art.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Collingwood)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030198308110525675.post-5088034410727729359Tue, 11 Sep 2012 04:01:00 +00002012-09-27T22:24:00.051-07:00clip artproductsFish Clip Art!I don't really know who needs fish clip art actually!&nbsp; I was doodling around on my daughter's Ipad.&nbsp; I don't have one but everyone else in my house does. :(&nbsp; Sniff!&nbsp; Anyway,&nbsp; there is a cool application for Ipad that's called Art Studio which allows you to draw onto a transparent background and make some cool clip art images.&nbsp; You do have to know how to draw, however.&nbsp; There are some tricks that I use to get more symmetrical images like horizontal and vertical symmetry, but generally I free hand my art.&nbsp; I needed a few fish for an ecology lesson I was doing so below are a few of the clips.&nbsp; Feel free to use these fish clips for your own work, just please link back to my blog and my product link and give credit to Science, Etc. when you do.&nbsp; <b>Do not resell them as clip art</b>.&nbsp; The bubbles are included in this set as well. You can find the complete product at:<br /><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fish-Clip-Art">http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Fish-Clip-Art</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8UTVk6cQSVY/UE62CDv7n3I/AAAAAAAAAZs/FLWad1axst0/s1600/fish2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8UTVk6cQSVY/UE62CDv7n3I/AAAAAAAAAZs/FLWad1axst0/s200/fish2.PNG" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wLZnk_wc_DY/UE616QLNcaI/AAAAAAAAAZk/kFRCQfzpOtQ/s1600/fish3.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wLZnk_wc_DY/UE616QLNcaI/AAAAAAAAAZk/kFRCQfzpOtQ/s320/fish3.PNG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lRPj4A5b9Ew/UE61qXpE0bI/AAAAAAAAAZc/YsnKSrTe5qM/s1600/bubbles.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lRPj4A5b9Ew/UE61qXpE0bI/AAAAAAAAAZc/YsnKSrTe5qM/s640/bubbles.PNG" width="480" /></a></div>http://kimberlycollingwood.blogspot.com/2012/09/fish-clip-art.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Collingwood)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030198308110525675.post-8600984784694074492Tue, 21 Aug 2012 03:58:00 +00002012-08-20T20:59:34.763-07:00productsThe Hobbit An Unexpected JourneyvocabularyThe Hobbit VocabularyHere is the first installment of my Hobbit lessons.&nbsp; The Hobbit An Unexpected Journey is coming to theaters in December so what would be better that reading The Hobbit once again?&nbsp; I couldn't really think of anything.&nbsp; I reread the book to complete this vocabulary study and found it to be as delightful as I remembered it.&nbsp; This product has over 90 pages of vocabulary words from The Hobbit in graphic organizers.&nbsp; Many of these organizers have student-friendly definitions, ways for students to rate their understanding of the word, and space for non-linguistic representations.&nbsp; Take a look at the preview below.&nbsp; If you like it, it can be found in my store at:<br /><a href="http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Vocabulary-of-The-Hobbit-by-JRR-Tolkien">The Vocabulary of The Hobbit</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/103411285/Hobbit-Vocab-Preview" style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto; text-decoration: underline;" title="View Hobbit Vocab Preview on Scribd">Hobbit Vocab Preview</a><iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.772727272727273" data-auto-height="true" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_98577" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/103411285/content?start_page=1&amp;view_mode=scroll&amp;access_key=key-1x7hdxx51jwohp9fghqb" width="100%"></iframe>http://kimberlycollingwood.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-hobbit-vocabulary.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Collingwood)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030198308110525675.post-6662724233195950768Fri, 10 Aug 2012 03:57:00 +00002012-08-09T20:58:20.898-07:00back to schoolsalesBack to School Sale on TPT<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5q77FKUsqX8/UCSGAmOIRTI/AAAAAAAAAZE/F93q2dPqSN8/s1600/BTS12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5q77FKUsqX8/UCSGAmOIRTI/AAAAAAAAAZE/F93q2dPqSN8/s1600/BTS12.JPG" /></a></div><br />Need some new ideas and products for your classroom?&nbsp; Teachers Pay Teachers is having a sale on Aug. 12-13 with up to 28% off.&nbsp; Just use promo code BTS12 at checkout to get an additional 10% off.&nbsp; Most top sellers will have their stores on sale as well.&nbsp; Happy back to school shopping!http://kimberlycollingwood.blogspot.com/2012/08/back-to-school-sale-on-tpt.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Collingwood)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030198308110525675.post-8999037432345767308Mon, 06 Aug 2012 04:07:00 +00002012-08-05T21:07:34.461-07:00Mars Rover Curiosity Lands on the First Day of SchoolThis is just the most exciting thing for an earth and space science teacher like myself.&nbsp; I start back to school with students tomorrow and Curiosity lands, if everything goes as it should.&nbsp;<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cV5c_B74yUU/UB9AyUvzgaI/AAAAAAAAAYs/masjlU2kbac/s1600/curiosity.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cV5c_B74yUU/UB9AyUvzgaI/AAAAAAAAAYs/masjlU2kbac/s1600/curiosity.jpeg" /></a></div><br />Last year we ended the year in my astronomy unit with 6th grade and this year they come back as 7th graders to finish the astronomy unit.&nbsp; This has got to be the greatest opening for an astronomy unit since Spirit and Opportunity landed!&nbsp; I have been trying to find other rover lessons besides the one I wrote for this great event.&nbsp; I have found a great resource through Mars Education (ASU) that has many STEM elements.&nbsp; "Marsbound" brings the "E" in STEM to life by having students design a mission to mars while staying under budget and getting the best scientific return.&nbsp; I would recommend this project to students 6-early college.&nbsp; I will definitely be using it this year as a hook for getting students interested in science and engineering.&nbsp; Here is the link:<br /><a href="http://marsed.mars.asu.edu/marsbound">http://marsed.mars.asu.edu/marsbound</a><br />Good luck Curiosity! &nbsp; <br /><br />http://kimberlycollingwood.blogspot.com/2012/08/mars-rover-curiosity-lands-on-first-day.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Collingwood)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4030198308110525675.post-4018692094480282636Wed, 25 Jul 2012 19:08:00 +00002012-07-29T11:00:06.313-07:00contestssalesThe Lesson Cloud Dollar Days Sale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DmQG4TZwu18/UBBDfPOGEsI/AAAAAAAAAYg/qls5wagxDlc/s1600/dollar+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DmQG4TZwu18/UBBDfPOGEsI/AAAAAAAAAYg/qls5wagxDlc/s320/dollar+days.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Announcing the first ever Back to School Dollar Days sale...with a &amp;$75 Gift Certificate to Really Good Stuff to boot! This Sunday, July 29th and Monday, July 30th, join us on the Cloud for an amazing sale and giveaway! The Lesson Cloud authors have put together an amazing list of hundreds of items for just $1 or $2!! Stock up on all your Back to School needs for just $1 or $2 each. Plus, once you've stocked up, enter our $75 Gift Certificate Giveaway to Really Good Stuff!! Couldn't you use an extra $75 to start off the school year? Keep watching The Lesson Cloud blog, The Lesson Cloud Facebook page and The Lesson Cloud Twitter feeds for more!&nbsp; Also, I will be updating this post to include the link to all products on July 29th.&nbsp; Come back and check it out!<br />&nbsp;****Update**** Please click here to see the hundreds of items on sale Sunday the 29th<br /><a href="http://www.thelessoncloud.com/2012/07/its-here-dollar-days-sale-and-75-really.html">http://www.thelessoncloud.com/2012/07/its-here-dollar-days-sale-and-75-really.html</a>http://kimberlycollingwood.blogspot.com/2012/07/the-lesson-cloud-dollar-days-sale.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Kimberly Collingwood)1